I have to confess that I was very excited when I realized my Delta flight today was equipeed with wireless Internet. I grabbed my laptop as soon as we reached 10,000 feet and quickly created my new account. A simple charge of $9.95 later and I was surfing.
From a functional perspective it worked great. There were momentary lapses where the signal would drop but it always came right back up without any effort on my part. Transfer speeds were fine, and I was able to get a lot of work done.
At first I was pretty excited about this, but then I started thinking about how much I truly appreciate my time in the sky. I fly a lot, and often it is the only uninterupted time I get to write. Or think. Or both. I had a bit of writing to do today but I found myself checking email frequently. I was able to stay on top of new email, but my flights are usually time to catch up on the email I missed.
Ultimately I decided that I am still excited about it. If I don’t want to be connected I don’t have to log on. And on a day like today where there were numerous high profile projects that required my speedy attention, the wireless with wings was a lifesaver.
March 12th, 2009 at 9:02 am
Erin,
Your post reminded me of comedian Louis CK’s rant on Conan. He talks about technological advances such as internet on airplanes being wasted on an unappreciative generation. Take a look, I think you’ll find it pretty funny.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LoGYx35ypus
March 23rd, 2009 at 3:28 pm
Erin – I share your mixed feelings! I too travel a lot and cherish “think time.” But, when I’m sweating what I’m missing – it is great to know I can check in -just have to do so in moderation!
Eduard – that Louis CK clip is hilarious! It was good to have a chuckle – now back to checking my e-amil!
JD